14.1% alc., 179 cases, $56. The vines that produced
this Chardonnay were grafted from the original vineyard that supplied grapes to the 1973 Chateau Montelena
Chardonnay that won the coveted 1976 Paris Tasting. Brix at harvest 24º. Barrel fermented, 90% MLF, lees
stirring every other week for 9 months, aged 11 months in 50% new Francois Frères medium toast French oak
barrels. Unfined and unfiltered.
·Moderate golden yellow color and clear in the glass. I couldn’t pull my nose
away from the glass which offered aromas of pineapple, grilled lemon, white peach, and butterscotch. A
seamless, relatively plush wine with just the right spark of acidity and contribution from oak. More minerality is
evident on the palate which offers flavors of lemon, crème brûlée, and tropical fruits. A beautiful thing.Score:93.
Reviewed April 19, 2014